Research and Technological Innovations in Automation, Robotics, and Intelligent Mining Systems for Transformative Improvements in Workplace Safety, Health, and Efficiencies

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RESEARCH PLAN – ABSTRACT The U.S. mining industry has advanced technological innovations to improve safety, and health. These technologies have reduced accidents and fatalities over the years. However, the industry has one of the most dangerous environments for workers. The 2021 fatality rate of 16.15 was four times the average rate for all US industries. Autonomous, robotic, and intelligent (ARI) systems are the next frontiers for achieving zero fatality. This proposal will therefore advance research initiatives, technological innovations, and interventions in ARI systems to eliminate mine fatalities within the next two decades. The program will be carried out under the MERIT (Mine Escape, Research, Innovations and Technology) Center at Missouri University of Science and Technology (S&T) in collaborations with New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NMT), the mining industry and NIOSH. The proposal will (1) develop intelligent data analytics using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms for analysis, predictions, and process management to assure ARI systems; (2) develop cyber and systems network security to secure, protect, and prevent adversarial attacks against ARI systems; (3) develop an integrated human-centered design and change management system within human-centered operations for the new intelligent paradigm to ensure smooth operations; (4) develop an intelligent communication system for bulk data transfer with embedded systems for data warehousing, processing, and usage to provide 360O vision and prevent collisions; (5) develop intelligent robot assistance in mining for safe operations in high- temperature areas, areas with toxic and explosive gasses, or tight spaces for equipment maintenance; and (6) create intelligent mine rescue and post-disaster surveillance for the emerging ARI systems. The PD and another Co-PI hold full-time academic positions in mining and explosives engineering at S&T and NMT. S&T offers an ABET-accredited mining engineering program. It also offers Master of Engineering (M.E.), Master of Science (M.S.), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Doctor of Engineering (D.E.) in mining engineering. S&T also offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in explosives engineering (https://mee.mst.edu/degrees/). One PI, from NMT, also holds a full-time academic position in mineral engineering. NMT also offers an ABET-accredited undergraduate and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in mining engineering with research in explosives engineering (https://www.nmt.edu/academics/index.php). S&T’s Experimental Mine and Explosives Research Facilities, NMT’s Mining Research Facilities, and other research labs provide unparalleled environments, and resources to undertake this initiative. This initiative is a collaborative, multi-university, and multi-disciplinary effort that brings together researchers from mining and explosives, electrical and computer, and mechanical and aerospace engineering, engineering management and systems engineering, computer science and psychological science. The research team will interact with CDC-NIOSH and fulfill all requirements. This initiative will expand knowledge and capacity in mine automation, robotics, and other intelligent systems, develop intelligent mine rescue and post-disaster surveillance, and transfer technologies into industry through research-to-practice approach. We will disseminate research results in journals and conference proceedings and establish an arms-length Industry Research Advisory Board (IRAB) to provide counsel on research directions. The IRAB members include Arch Resources, Komatsu America Corporation, Peabody Energy Corporation, Fred Weber Inc., Matrix, MSHA, Strata, and Vale. To achieve these research goals, S&T and NMT request $2 million per year funding, within the 4-year duration.